Spain moved to the brink of World Cup qualification after a commanding 4-0 victory over Georgia in Tbilisi that extended their perfect record in Group E and left them needing only to avoid a heavy defeat on the final matchday.
The result strengthened their position at the top of the standings and kept Luis de la Fuente’s side firmly on course for automatic passage to next summer’s tournament.
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They arrived in Georgia without several senior figures yet imposed control almost immediately. Their pressure produced a breakthrough inside 11 minutes, when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot after Giorgi Gocholeishvili handled inside the area.
The early goal settled Spain and exposed the gulf in composure and structure between the sides.
Martin Zubimendi doubled the advantage soon afterwards with a calm lift over Giorgi Mamardashvili following a well-weighted pass from Fabian Ruiz.
Spain then tightened their grip before half-time when Oyarzabal slid a low ball across the box for Ferran Torres to guide in from close range, completing a dominant opening period in which Georgia failed to escape their defensive third with any real purpose.
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Spain continued in the same rhythm after the interval and stretched the lead just past the hour. Torres created the fourth with a curling delivery from the right that Oyarzabal met with a firm header, guiding the ball in off the far post to secure his second of the evening.
Georgia mustered a late attempt to pull one back, but Marcos Llorente cleared off the line to preserve Spain’s unblemished defensive record in the campaign.
De la Fuente used the comfortable margin to introduce Pablo Barrios, Fermin Lopez and Borja Iglesias, although the latter missed a clear opportunity for a fifth when he shot straight at Mamardashvili from the centre of the box.
Spain nevertheless closed out the match with complete authority and maintained a run that now reads 19 goals scored and none conceded across five qualifiers.
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Their position could have been mathematically secured on Saturday, but Turkey’s 2-0 win over Bulgaria delayed confirmation for at least another three days.
Spain still hold a three-point cushion and a vastly superior goal difference, which means only a seven-goal defeat in Seville on Tuesday would deny them top spot.
They enter that match with confidence untouched and form fully intact, and the clarity of their performances suggests that progression is a formality rather than a concern as the qualifying campaign reaches its conclusion.
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